Benrus Type II Class A, 'Sterile' Dial Military Issued with Blue Prototype Bezel

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

Watches still played a critical role in military service in the 1970s. As a result of the need for a more robust dive watch tailored to the military's needs, the United States Department of Defense issued the MIL-W-50717 standard, which put forth a more robust list of required specifications, more so than any prior contract. There were many options for lower level officers and platoons when it came to timepieces, but for the best of the best including the renowned Navy Seals, the Benrus Type I and Type II were the best option. Benrus made these pieces exclusively for the military between 1972 to 1980, with this particular example dating to circa 1976 ( November of 1976 to be exact ). The 42.5mm asymmetrical case remains unpolished and retains its original 'sandblasted' finishing and shows normal signs of wear. Flip it over, and the engravings on the caseback denoting it's military provenance and year of manufacture are crisp and clear. The screw-down crown and bi-directional rotating bezel also features the characteristic ' sandblasted' matte finishing that matches that of the case. Inside, the matte black 'sterile' dial with white printed indices is very nicely preserved, with excellent white printing, evenly patinated Tritium plots, and a matching white-painted handset. Unlike nearly all other Type Is and Type IIs with a black acrylic 12-hr insert, this piece features an exceedingly rare blue acrylic insert, believed to be a prototype with only a handful in circulation. Due to their limited production, active use during military trials, decommissioning, and flat out loss, not all that many of these pieces survive today — particularly in this kind of condition. We are pleased to offer this Type II up for its next tour of duty, and invite you to strap a real piece of history to your wrist.